Pronunciation: Si BINK oh
Generic name: abrocitinib [ A-broe-SYE-ti-nib ]
Dosage form: tablets (50mg, 100mg, 200mg)
Drug class: Selective immunosuppressants

Medically reviewed by Melisa Puckey, BPharm. Last updated on Oct 26, 2023.

What is Cibinqo?

Cibinqo (abrocitinib) tablets are used to treat eczema (atopic dermatitis) that is moderate to severe in patients who have not found relief with topical medications or are not able to use them. Cibinqo is a once-a-day tablet that can be used by adults and children over 12 years of age. 

Eczema may be caused by an overactive immune system leading to inflammation which causes dry, itchy skin and eczema flare-ups. Janus kinase (JAK) is an enzyme thought to play a role in skin inflammation. Cibinqo works by blocking the JAK1 activity, decreasing inflammation which helps reduce itching and improves skin condition. 

Cibinqo belongs to a class of medications called JAK inhibitors (Janus kinase inhibitors). 

Cibinqo received FDA-approval on January 14, 2022.

Cibinqo side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Cibinqo: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• worsening eye problems - eye pain, or changes in your vision;
• signs of an infection - fever, sweating, or chills, muscle aches, cough or shortness of breath, weight loss, painful skin or sores on your body, diarrhea or stomach pain, burning when you urinate or urinating more often than usual, feeling very tired;
• heart attack symptoms - chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating;
• signs of a blood clot - sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, chest pain, problems with vision or speech, pain or swelling in one leg;
• signs of a stroke - sudden numbness or weakness, severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance; or
• low blood cell counts - fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath.

Common Cibinqo side effects may include:

• flu-like symptoms, tingly or painful blistering rash on one side of your body;
• abnormal lab results;
• pain and burning when you urinate, painful urination;
• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;
• mouth and throat pain;
• skin infection, rash;
• cold sores;
• high blood pressure;
• pimples;
• headache;
• dizziness; or
• tiredness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Cibinqo may increase your risk of certain cancers, such as lymphoma, lung cancer, and skin cancer. Ask your doctor about your risk.

Tell your doctor if you've had or been exposed to tuberculosis, or if you recently traveled. Some infections are more common in certain parts of the world, and you may have been exposed during travel.

Cibinqo is not recommended for use in combination with other JAK inhibitors, biologic immunomodulators, or with other immunosuppressants. 

Cibinqo may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• signs of a blood clot - sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, chest pain, problems with vision or speech, pain or swelling in one leg;

• heart attack symptoms - chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating;

• signs of a stroke - sudden numbness or weakness, severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance; or

• signs of an infection - fever, sweating, or chills, cough or shortness of breath, weight loss, burning when you urinate or urinating more often than usual, or feeling very tired.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Cibinqo with other medicines that prevent blood clots during the first 3 months of treatment. You can take aspirin (up to a dose of 81 mg each day) during this time if prescribed by your doctor.

To make sure Cibinqo is safe for you, tell your doctor if you:

• have an infection;
• are a current or past smoker;
• have had a stroke, a heart attack, or other heart problems;
• have kidney or liver problems;
• have low platelet or white blood cell counts;
• have eye problems, such as cataracts or retinal detachment; or
• have recently received or are scheduled to receive a vaccine.

Tell your doctor if you've had or been exposed to tuberculosis, or if you recently traveled. Some infections are more common in certain parts of the world, and you may have been exposed during travel.

Pregnancy

It is not known if Cibinqo will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of abrocitinib on the baby.

It may be harder for you to get pregnant while you are using Cibinqo.

Breastfeeding

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

How should I take Cibinqo?

Take Cibinqo exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. You should not start taking this medicineif you have any kind of infection unless your doctor tells you to.

Cibinqo directions:

• Cibinqo is a tablet that is taken once a day, at the same time each day.
• You may take Cibinqo with or without food.
• Swallow the tablet whole with water and do not crush, chew, or break it.

Your doctor should perform blood tests before you start taking Cibinqo and during treatment with this medicine.

Cibinqo may increase your risk of certain cancers, such as lymphoma, lung cancer, and skin cancer. Ask your doctor about your risk.

Cibinqo dosing information

Usual Cibinqo Dose for Atopic Dermatitis:

Dose: 100 mg orally once a day.

Maximum dose: 200 mg/day.

Duration of therapy: If no adequate response is achieved with 100 mg/day after 12 weeks, the dose can be increased to 200 mg/day. Discontinue if inadequate response is seen after this dosage increase.

Comments: This drug should not be used in combination with other Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, biologic immunomodulators, or immunosuppressants. This drug can be used with or without topical corticosteroids.

Use: Refractory moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in patients 12 years of age and older, whose condition has not been adequately controlled with other systemic drug products.

Cibinqo tablets are available as: 50mg, 100mg, 200mg.

Click the link below for more detailed dose information.

Related/similar drugs

Dupixent, prednisone, Temovate, Lidex, Clobevate, Clobex

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take Cibinqo as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if your next dose is due in less than 12 hours. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking Cibinqo?

Avoid receiving a "live" vaccine while you are being treated with Cibinqo.

Cibinqo could make you sunburn more easily. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

What other drugs will affect Cibinqo?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medicines at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you use, which may increase side effects or make the medicines less effective.

Cibinqo is not recommended for use in combination with other JAK inhibitors, biologic immunomodulators, or with other immunosuppressants. 

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• digoxin;
• aspirin; or
• medicines that prevent blood clots.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with abrocitinib, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Ingredients 

Active ingredient: abrocitinib

Inactive ingredients: dibasic calcium phosphate anhydrous, hypromellose, iron oxide red, lactose monohydrate, Macrogol, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, titanium dioxide, and triacetin. 

Storage

• Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), excursions permitted between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F).
• Keep in original package. 
• The container closure system is child resistant. 

Company

Pfizer
Distributed by: Pfizer Labs, Division of Pfizer Inc., New York, NY 10017.

Popular FAQ

More FAQ

• What are the most common skin conditions? (with photos)

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Cibinqo only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2024 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 1.01.